soaringfalcon

We used the transport to the airport, checked our bags with the airline, and then went sightseeing from there 

We did this last year.  I did notice it's no longer offered through the cruise line but we are going to book it again on our own.  Stuart Cove is a large enterprise and does it right. You will pick up the bus just outside the "gates", drive to Stuart Cove, have a briefing and then get on the boat to do the SUBs.  It's AMAZING!

You might not be able to do everything you wanted but yes, there is enough time. You will get an extra hour after closing for the IMAX movie exclusively for NCL. We've done it twice. Once with an early arrival and once with the 1 PM arrival. It's worth it!

We've done KSC twice with NCL. It's about $10 cheaper if you don't do through them but the increase is worth it to us. You are transported on KSC busses so you get an entire history there and back. You also get something extra depending on your time in port - if you're early - you get to go right to the Apollo launch areas with the reenactment skipping the whole entry area and looooong wait for the bus out. We were the first group in the building that day because of it. If you're a later arrival you get to stay an hour after for the imax movies (included)

I'm really enjoying this review. Looking forward to the rest.

Thank you very much!

Unfortunately you can't. It's just one credit.

You're kidding, right???? I can go to my local baseball stadium and be charged $6 for a crappy cup of beer. Is that ever on the news?

You either pay it or you don't. They are providing free water which is incredibly pure. At the baseball stadium, I can't bring in any type of bottle - empty or not. If I want the free water, I have to find a drinking fountain and hope it works.

The FightKlub is very similar to kickboxing with more boxing and less kicking LOL They don't really start the kicking until the end of the series of classes.

I've also taken the zumba classes - they're usually done most sea day mornings are fun.

Overall, I've been very pleased with the fitness offerings on board.

We did this cruise in March. I don't have the dailies but the days were packed with events. If there is something specific you're wondering about please let me know.

You either have to have a reservation for the show or wait until just before show time to see if they have open seats. Most theater shows you can get a seat for but if you want to see Second City make sure you get your reservations early.

The cabins down on 5 are great! Easy access and we had the best steward of any of our cruises :)

Yep! They have them. I believe they're $12 each. When you first get on the ship go to the gym and they'll have all of the class information. On my sailing in May they offered spin, yoga, kickboxing, and personal training - all for a fee. They also had zumba and a stretching class - both free.

I did zumba (they call it cardio dance) and it was really nice. Only 30 minutes as opposed to my hour class at home but it was pool side and I could see the ocean :)

Have been following this thread because I am a very early morning person, just like the 4 am guy, and like my tea, Irish Breakfast. I can bring my own tea bags, but will I be able to get hot water out of the Nespresso? Someone on an earlier thread said that the model is a Citiz but I haven't been able to find out if it will give me that much looked for really hot water. Anyone know? We will be in a deluxe owners suite on the Gem.

Yes - hot water is available from the machine and they provide a good selection of teas.

Looking forward to my first cruisei in a haven room on the Escape. Just wondering if the coffee machine makes cappuccino. Thanks

No. Just espresso and coffee only. I will say that I'm normally a latte drinker. The espresso was good enough that I enjoyed it with just one 1/2 and 1/2. If it's the foam you're looking for - that's not going to happen.

You have a quite a knack for story telling. I've really enjoyed this review. Thank you!

I think it's great that you continue to honor your friend's wishes and to take her with you

It was fixed!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

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Um, isn't that what I said? Dang

My dd is leaving on the Sky on Friday. I will ask her if she got an e-mail too.

This issue was a unique maintenance for the Gem only. It was fixed. The Sky was never impacted

Did you stop at Great Stirrup Cay?

 

 

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No. They were still working on the azipods (all fixed now). We spent two full days in Nassau. It worked out really nicely

I can tell you that the Concierge Monica was outstanding, a real Jewel, NCL should be proud to have her, our Butler Erlindo was great.

We have nothing negative to say, we had an amazing time, and will be back

on the Gem on the 12th of June. Enjoy your time on the beautiful Gem

Marion

I concur. Monica is totally amazing!!! She was everywhere on the ship making sure we were happy.

Embarkation and debarkation were fine - especially considering it was fleet week and there were 2 ships in port. One thing to note, there were no porters available unless you wanted to wait for a long time. This was just because of the 2 ships though.

We will be on deck 11 not sure how the Butlers divide their rooms but sure we will be fine. I've read that the coffee machines are now Nespresso machines. What type of pods were offered. (Tea, flavored tea, coffee, decaf...)

Coffee, espresso and decaf - worked great.

Tea - mint, chamomile, english breakfast and another that I'm not recalling. It was very good.

Embarking was a breeze..leaving not so much...fleet week, and Breakaway also in port..so area very crowded .

 

Monica was great...so sweet, sincere and anxious to assist.(her assistant was also very good..sorry I forgot her name...:o

We had butler..Randy...10th deck SF aft..He was very good . But we spoke to someone on deck 9 aft..who did not meet their butler till day 3!

We were deck 9 aft as well and had the same issue with the butler. To his credit, he did call us (we're assuming he was spoken to) and we met him and then he really redeemed himself. Our steward on the other hand was absolutely outstanding.

And yes...update the suites. It was an amazing cruise but I definitely noticed that.

Why does it bother you what someone else does with their money? To each his own.

Thank you...!

The excursion you cite is not listed for the Gem...only" Reef Snorkeling and Sandbar Getaway " at $55 pp. !!!! And only at 1PM..

 

We just want to snorkel at the beach on our own..early in the day...;) As we have done before...and were surprised equipment rental is not listed as it always was..(for about $25 as I recall).

It's sold out for our sailing! It's been selling out quick. I'm surprised.

Now this sounds like a fun review!! Have a wonderful trip ladies!

Yes, that's correct but only one person books it so you would only be getting $50 off.

We've sailed the BA twice and both times we encountered absolutely no issues. The crew was wonderful. What I have encountered; however, is rude passengers. Last month we actually made a game of noting the petty complaints we heard - a prime example "I am extremely disappointed in this ship, you have mirrors on the stairways rather than pictures."

I'm not a tweeter so can you explain what you were hoping to accomplish with your tweet? They are aware of Cruise Critic and can't guarantee you a happy, smiling crew. I'm not being snarky - I honestly don't get it.

It will be the fabulous DanDan! He starts his run tomorrow.